Unassociated Document
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.   20549

FORM 10-Q

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 3, 2009

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from            to
 
Commission File No. 0-11201

Merrimac Industries, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
 
DELAWARE
22-1642321
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
 (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
 Identification No.)

41 FAIRFIELD PLACE
WEST CALDWELL, NEW JERSEY 07006
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(973) 575-1300
(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:    N/A

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     
Yes x           No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes ¨            No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and a “smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):  
 
Large accelerated filer    ¨
Accelerated filer    ¨
Non-accelerated filer      ¨
Smaller reporting company    x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨            No x

As of November 4, 2009, there were 2,992,456 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

 
 

 

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.

INDEX

   
Page
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Quarters and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 (Unaudited)
1
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets-October 3, 2009 (Unaudited) and January 3, 2009
2
   
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended October 3, 2009 (Unaudited)
3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 (Unaudited)
4
   
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
24
     
Item 4(T).
Controls and Procedures
25
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
25
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
25
     
Item 5.
Other Information
25
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
25
     
Signatures
 
26

 
 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 (UNAUDITED)

   
Quarters Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
September 27,
   
October 3,
   
September 27,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
(Restated)
         
(Restated)
 
                         
Net sales
 
$
8,271,178
   
$
8,327,790
   
$
23,966,766
   
$
21,575,742
 
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
   
4,276,310
     
5,323,091
     
13,222,933
     
13,958,812
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
2,450,671
     
2,398,255
     
7,122,290
     
6,993,520
 
Research and development
   
101,665
     
105,114
     
318,187
     
852,513
 
Gain on sale of asset
   
-
     
-
     
(40,579
)
   
-
 
     
6,828,646
     
7,826,460
     
20,622,831
     
21,804,845
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
   
1,442,532
     
501,330
     
3,343,935
     
(229,103
)
Interest and other expense, net
   
(68,210
)
   
(17,336
)
   
(202,252
)
   
(126,516
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations net of income taxes
   
1,374,322
     
483,994
     
3,141,683
     
(355,619
)
Provision for income taxes
   
443,279
     
10,000
     
686,014
     
10,000
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
931,043
     
473,994
     
2,455,669
     
(365,619
)
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, after
                               
income taxes
   
-
     
(10,956
)
   
50,505
     
(65,992
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
931,043
   
$
463,038
   
$
2,506,174
   
$
(431,611
)
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations – basic
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.83
   
$
(0.13
)
Income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations – basic
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
0.01
   
$
(0.02
)
Net income (loss) per common share – basic
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.84
   
$
(0.15
)
                                 
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations – diluted
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.82
   
$
(0.13
)
Income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations – diluted
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
0.02
   
$
(0.02
)
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.84
   
$
(0.15
)
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-basic
   
2,986,022
     
2,948,037
     
2,966,501
     
2,940,112
 
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding-diluted
   
3,013,986
     
2,965,537
     
3,000,131
     
2,940,112
 

See accompanying notes.

 
1

 

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
October 3,
   
January 3,
 
   
2009
   
2009
 
   
(UNAUDITED)
   
(NOTE 1)
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
3,219,940
   
$
1,191,768
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $30,000
   
7,559,992
     
5,765,575
 
Inventories, net
   
5,604,220
     
4,899,706
 
Other current assets
   
840,012
     
542,320
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
   
3,249,726
     
1,880,338
 
Total current assets
   
20,473,890
     
14,279,707
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment
   
38,179,022
     
37,765,928
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
30,433,635
     
28,556,441
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
7,745,387
     
9,209,487
 
Other assets
   
437,398
     
543,217
 
Total assets
 
$
28,656,675
   
$
24,032,411
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
291,667
   
$
291,667
 
Accounts payable
   
700,737
     
794,351
 
Accrued liabilities
   
1,704,998
     
1,432,124
 
Customer deposits
   
2,137,761
     
654,133
 
Income taxes payable
   
213,565
     
17,448
 
Total current liabilities
   
5,048,728
     
3,189,723
 
                 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
2,306,945
     
2,611,111
 
Deferred liabilities
   
50,621
     
64,254
 
Total liabilities
   
7,406,294
     
5,865,088
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:
               
Authorized:  1,000,000 shares
               
No shares issued
   
     
 
Common stock, par value $.01 per share:
20,000,000 shares authorized; 3,355,361 and 3,315,229 shares issued; and 2,992,456 and 2,952,324
shares outstanding, respectively
   
33,554
     
33,153
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
20,956,407
     
20,379,924
 
Retained earnings
   
3,382,584
     
876,410
 
     
24,372,545
     
21,289,487
 
Less treasury stock, at cost – 362,905 shares at October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009
   
(3,122,164
)
   
(3,122,164
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
21,250,381
     
18,167,323
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
28,656,675
   
$
24,032,411
 

See accompanying notes.

 
2

 

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 3, 2009
(UNAUDITED)

   
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Totals
 
Balance, January 3, 2009
   
3,315,229
   
$
33,153
   
$
20,379,924
   
$
876,410
   
362,905
   
$
(3,122,164
)
 
$
18,167,323
 
Net income
                           
2,506,174
                     
2,506,174
 
Share-based compensation
                   
344,856
                             
344,856
 
Exercise of stock options
   
31,632
     
316
     
231,712
                             
232,028
 
Vesting of restricted stock
   
8,500
     
85
     
(85
)
                           
-
 
Balance, October 3, 2009
   
3,355,361
   
$
33,554
   
$
20,956,407
   
$
3,382,584
     
362,905
   
$
(3,122,164
)
 
$
21,250,381
 

See accompanying notes.

 
3

 

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
       
Restated
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
2,506,174
   
$
(431,611
)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
   
50,505
     
(65,992
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
2,455,669
     
(365,619
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,933,210
     
1,907,668
 
Gain on sale of assets
   
(40,579
)
   
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
   
85,402
     
24,120
 
Share-based compensation
   
344,856
     
375,837
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(1,794,417
)
   
(1,592,848
)
Inventories
   
(704,514
)
   
(15,207
)
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
   
(1,369,388
)
   
(1,185,909
Other current assets
   
(297,692
)
   
48,944
 
Other assets
   
20,417
     
69,311
 
Accounts payable
   
(93,614
)
   
(38,436
Accrued liabilities
   
272,874
     
(126,234
)
Customer deposits
   
1,483,628
     
157,065
 
Income taxes payable
   
196,117
     
10,000
 
Deferred liabilities
   
(13,633
)
   
2,215
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations
   
2,478,336
     
(729,093
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
   
50,505
     
(65,992
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
   
2,528,841
     
(795,085
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(485,733
)    
(671,780
)
Cash proceeds from sale of asset
   
57,202
     
664,282
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(428,531
)
   
(7,498
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
   
-
     
1,000,000
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
(304,166
)
   
(616,667
Restricted cash returned
   
-
     
250,000
 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
   
232,028
     
28,331
 
Proceeds from Stock Purchase Plan sales
   
-
     
59,435
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(72,138
   
721,099
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
2,028,172
     
(81,484
)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,191,768
     
2,004,471
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
3,219,940
   
$
1,922,987
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
                 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest on credit facilities
 
$
222,651
   
$
173,762
 
Income taxes
 
$
490,000
   
$
 
 
 See accompanying notes.

 
4

 
 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and footnote disclosures otherwise required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a full fiscal year. The financial statements do, however, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature, which are in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Merrimac Industries, Inc. (“Merrimac” or the “Company”) as of October 3, 2009 and its results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. Results of operations of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The consolidated balance sheet at January 3, 2009 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 20, 2009 for the year ended January 3, 2009.  See the summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the accounting policies utilized by the Company.

Merrimac’s financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, commonly referred to as the “FASB.”  The FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) that the Company follows to ensure that reports of the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are presented on a consistent basis.  References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, sometimes referred to as the Codification or ASC (“ASC”).
 
We evaluated subsequent events through November 9, 2009, the date of financial statement issuance.

2. RESTATEMENT OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In April 2009, the Company’s management determined that there were misstatements in the Company’s previously reported fiscal year 2008 quarterly financial statements.  These misstatements were due to a combination of factors and primarily affected work in process inventories and cost of goods sold as well as having a minor impact on accrued liabilities and selling, general and administrative expenses.  The main factors causing the misstatements were control deficiencies following the Company-wide conversion to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software system and as a result of changes in personnel in the Company’s financial operations department.  The unaudited condensed impact of the errors found affected all three previously reported quarters of fiscal year 2008 and the restatement of the quarterly consolidated financial statements were presented in the Company’s fiscal year 2008 Form 10-K. The condensed consolidated statement of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008 and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 presented herein are the restated condensed consolidated financial statements and throughout this Form 10-Q, where applicable, the restated condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended and nine months ended September 27, 2008 are presented.
 
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Company management determined, and the Board of Directors approved on August 9, 2007, that the Company should divest its FMI operations. The divestiture enables Merrimac to concentrate its resources on RF Microwave and Multi-Mix® Microtechnology product lines to generate sustainable, profitable growth.  Beginning with the third quarter of 2007, the Company reflected FMI as a discontinued operation and the Company reclassified prior consolidated financial statements to reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of FMI as discontinued operations.

On December 28, 2007, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of its wholly-owned subsidiary, FMI, to Firan Technology Group Corporation (“FTG”), a manufacturer of high technology/high reliability printed circuit boards that has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Chatsworth, California. The transaction was effected pursuant to an asset purchase agreement entered into between Merrimac, FMI and FTG. The total consideration payable by FTG was $1,482,000 (Canadian $1,450,000) plus the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $368,000 (Canadian $360,000). FTG paid $818,000 (Canadian $800,000) of the purchase price at closing and the balance was paid on February 21, 2008 following the conclusion of a transitional period.

 
5

 
 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The operating results of FMI, which were formerly represented as Merrimac’s microwave micro-circuitry segment for the quarters and nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 are summarized as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
 
Net sales
 
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes
 
$
-
   
$
(10,956
)
 
$
50,505
   
$
(65,992
)
Provision for income taxes
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
 
$
     
$
(10,956
)
 
$
50,505
   
$
(65,992
)

 
6

 

4. CONTRACT REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company derives its revenues from sales of the following: customized products, which include amounts billable for non-recurring engineering services and in some instances the production and delivery of prototypes, and the subsequent production and delivery of units under short-term, firm-fixed price contracts; the design, documentation, production and delivery of a series of complex components under long-term firm-fixed price contracts; and the delivery of off-the-shelf standard products.

The Company accounts for all contracts, except those for the sale of off-the-shelf standard products, in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC (“Revenue Recognition Topic”). Sales of off-the-shelf standard products and related costs of sales are recorded when title transfers to our customer, which is generally on the date of shipment, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is probable.

The Company recognizes all amounts billable under short-term contracts, including those involving non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) services for customization of products, in net sales and all related costs in cost of sales under the completed-contract method when the customized units are delivered. The Company periodically enters into contracts with customers for the development and delivery of a prototype prior to the shipment of units. Under those circumstances, the Company recognizes all amounts billable for NRE services in net sales and all related costs in cost of sales when the prototype is delivered and recognizes all of the remaining amounts billable and the related costs when the units are delivered.

Periodically, the Company has complex, long-term contracts for the engineering design, development and production of space electronics products for which revenue is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and related contract costs for design and documentation services under this type of contract are recognized based on the cost-to-cost method. Sales and related contract costs for products delivered under these contracts are recognized on the units-of-delivery method. The Company has one contract which is primarily related to the design and development (and to a lesser extent, the production of space electronics) for which revenue under the entire contract is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method using the cost-to-cost method. For such contract, the Company has recognized costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of approximately $3,250,000 at October 3, 2009.

Pursuant to the Revenue Recognition Topic, anticipated losses on all contracts are charged to operations in the period when the losses become known.

5. ACCOUNTING PERIOD

The Company's fiscal year is the 52-53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The Company has quarterly dates that correspond with the Saturday closest to the last day of each calendar quarter and each quarter consists of 13 weeks in a 52-week year. Periodically, the additional week to make a 53-week year is added to the fourth quarter, making such quarter consist of 14 weeks (fiscal year 2014 will be the next 53 week year).

6. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In October 2008, the FASB issued guidance that clarifies the methods of measurement of a financial asset in a market that is not active and provides an example to illustrate key considerations in determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that financial asset is not active.  The guidance is effective for prior periods for which financial statements have not been issued.  The guidance is summarized in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC.  Management currently believes that the guidance will have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued accounting guidance for estimating the fair value of a financial asset when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased and reemphasized that regardless of market conditions, the fair value measurement is an exit price concept as defined in the FASB’s guidance issued in October, 2008 and noted above.  This guidance further amended earlier pronouncements on this topic to require interim disclosures of the valuation techniques and related inputs used to measure fair value and any changes to those valuation techniques and inputs.  This pronouncement also provided additional guidance on defining the major categories of equity and debt securities measured at fair value in meeting the disclosure requirements for these types of assets.  This guidance is to be applied prospectively beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2009.  This guidance is summarized in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
 
7

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In April 2008, the FASB issued guidance regarding the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset.  The intent of this guidance is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized asset and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.  The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  This guidance is summarized in the Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued a pronouncement that established principles and requirements for how an acquiring company recognized and measured in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquired company and the goodwill acquired.  The pronouncement also established disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination.  The pronouncement is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008.  The pronouncement is summarized in the Business Combinations Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this pronouncement by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued guidance to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurements, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination.  The guidance shall be effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  This guidance is summarized in the Business Combinations Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued a pronouncement establishing accounting and reporting standards of ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated.  The pronouncement also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interest of the noncontrolling owners.  The pronouncement is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2008.  The pronouncement is summarized in the Consolidation Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this pronouncement by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued a pronouncement changing the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under the pronouncement and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedge items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  The pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The pronouncement is summarized in the Derivative and Hedging Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this pronouncement by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2008, the FASB ratified guidance put forth by the Emerging Issues Task Force that relates to all investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting.  The guidance states that an entity shall measure its equity investment initially at cost.  Contingent consideration should only be included in the initial measurement of the equity method investment if it is required to be recognized by specific authoritative guidance other than that specified under the Business Combinations Topic of the ASC.  However, if any equity method investment agreement involves a contingent consideration arrangement in which the fair value of the investor’s share of the investee’s net assets exceeds the investor’s initial cost, a liability should be recognized.  An equity method investor is required to recognize other-than-temporary impairments of an equity method investment and shall account for a share issuance by the investee as if the investor had sold a proportionate share of its investment.  Any gain or loss to the investor resulting from an investee’s share issuance shall be recognized in earnings.  The guidance shall be effective in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years and shall be applied prospectively.  The guidance is summarized in the Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this guidance by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued a pronouncement establishing general standards for accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  The pronouncement, among other things, sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the disclosures an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.  The pronouncement was effective for the Company beginning July 4, 2009.  The pronouncement is summarized in the Subsequent Events Topic of the ASC.  The adoption of this pronouncement by the Company did not have a material impact on the Company’s interim or annual financial statements or the disclosures in those financial statements.
 
8

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In June 2009, the FASB issued a pronouncement that establishes the FASB ASC as the single sole source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities.  The Codification does not change current GAAP, but is intended to simplify user access to all authoritative GAAP by providing all the authoritative literature related to a particular topic in one place.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants.  The pronouncement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company has updated references to GAAP in its consolidated financial statements issued for the period ended October 3, 2009.  The adoption of this pronouncement did not impact the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial position.

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance relating to the determination of which entities, if any, have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (“VIE”) from a quantitative based risk and rewards calculation.  The original calculation method was replaced with a qualitative approach that focuses on identifying which entities have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE.  The update also requires ongoing assessments as to whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, modifies the presentation of consolidated VIE assets and liabilities, and requires additional disclosures about a company’s involvement in VIE’s.  This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after November 15, 2009.  The guidance is summarized in the Consolidation Topic of the ASC.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this guidance will have, if any, on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In September 2009, the FASB issued guidance relating to measurement of the fair value of certain investments, including those with fair values that are not readily determinable, on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) if such net asset value is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles in Financial Services Topic of the ASC as of the entity’s measurement date (measurement of all or substantially all of the underlying investments of the investee in accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures guidance).  The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures about the nature and risks of investments within its scope that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.  This guidance is effective for the Company beginning October 4, 2009.  The guidance is summarized in the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this guidance will have, if any, on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance removing the objective-and-reliable-evidence-of-fair-value criterion from the separation criteria used to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting, replaces references to “fair value” with “selling price” to distinguish from the fair value measurements required under the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures guidance, provides a hierarchy that entities must use to estimate the selling price, eliminates the use of the residual method for allocation, and expands the ongoing disclosure requirements.  This update is effective for financial statements beginning on or after June 15, 2010 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively.  The guidance is summarized in the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC.  Management is currently evaluating the effect that adoption of this guidance will have, if any, on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and financial position.

7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

On January 1, 2006, the start of the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of the Equity Topic and Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic of the ASC as they relate to share-based compensation (“Equity and Compensation Topic”) which requires that the costs resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements at their fair values. The Company adopted the Equity and Compensation Topics using the modified prospective application method under which the provisions of the Equity and Compensation Topics apply to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled after the adoption date. Additionally, compensation cost for the portion of the awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as of the adoption date is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations over the remaining service period after the adoption date based on the award's original estimate of fair value.

Because of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards, no tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options have been recorded, thus there was no effect on cash flows from operating or financing activities.
 
9

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The components of share-based compensation expense in the statements of operations are as follows:

 
Quarters Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
October 3,
2009
 
September 27,
2008
 
October 3,
2009
 
September 27,
2008
 
                 
Stock options
  $ 107,000     $ 95,000     $ 294,000     $ 293,000  
Restricted stock
    17,000       17,000       51,000       64,000  
Employee stock purchase plan
    -       6,000       -       19,000  
Total share-based compensation
  $ 124,000     $ 118,000     $ 345,000     $ 376,000  

For the quarters and nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, share-based compensation expense was allocated as follows:
 
 
Quarters Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
October 3,
2009
 
September 27,
2008
 
October 3,
2009
 
September 27,
2008
 
                 
Cost of sales
  $ 48,000     $ 45,000     $ 129,000     $ 135,000  
Selling, general and administrative
    76,000       73,000       216,000       241,000  
Total share-based compensation
  $ 124,000     $ 118,000     $ 345,000     $ 376,000  
     
The fair value of the options granted was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model.
 
The following weighted average assumptions for options granted in the quarter and nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 were utilized:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Expected option life (years)
   
6.0
     
6.0
 
Expected volatility
   
63.71
%
   
37.56
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
2.53
%
   
3.14
%
Expected dividend yield
   
0.00
%
   
0.00
%

The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility.
 
Share-Based Compensation Plans:

At October 3, 2009, the Company maintains share-based compensation arrangements under the following plans: (i) 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan; (ii) 2001 Stock Option Plan; (iii) 2006 Stock Option Plan; (iv) 2006 Key Employee Incentive Plan; and (v) 2006 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan (see Note 7 of Form 10-K).

The 2006 Stock Option Plan authorizes the grant of an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock to employees, directors and consultants of the Company.  Under the 2006 Stock Option Plan, the Company may grant to eligible individuals incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), and/or non-qualified stock options. The purpose of the 2006 Stock Option Plan is to attract, retain and motivate employees, compensate consultants, and to enable employees, consultants and directors, including non-employee directors, to participate in the long-term growth of the Company by providing for or increasing the proprietary interests of such persons in the Company, thereby assisting the Company to achieve its long-range goals.

At October 3, 2009, there were 448,350 options granted under the 2006 Stock Option Plan; 132 were exercised and 448,218 options were outstanding of which 196,282 were exercisable. Options are granted at the closing price of the Company’s shares on the American Stock Exchange on the date immediately prior to grant, pursuant to the 2006 Stock Option Plan.  Options available for grant under the 2006 Stock Option Plan were 51,650 at October 3, 2009.

10

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At October 3, 2009, there were 67,200 options outstanding under the 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan and the 2001 Stock Option Plan, of which all were exercisable.  No options are available for future grant under the 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan or the 2001 Stock Option Plan.  Under the 1993 Stock Option Plan, there were no options outstanding or available for future grant.

A summary of all stock option activity and information related to all options outstanding for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 follows:

   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Number
of
Shares
   
Average
Contractual
Term (Years)
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding at January 3, 2009
 
$
9.12
     
435,400
             
Granted
   
7.83
     
177,850
             
Exercised
   
7.34
     
(31,632
)
         
$
96,000
 
Expired
   
8.01
     
(49,400
)
               
Forfeited
   
9.60
     
(16,800
)
               
Outstanding at October 3, 2009
 
$
8.87
     
515,418
     
7.8
   
$
72,000
 
Exercisable at October 3, 2009
 
$
9.62
     
263,482
     
6.3
   
$
28,000
 

As of October 3, 2009, the total future compensation cost related to nonvested stock options not yet recognized in the statement of operations was $1,010,000.  Of that total, $155,000, $394,000, $283,000 and $178,000, are expected to be recognized in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. As of October 3, 2009, there is no future compensation cost related to the employee stock purchase plan. There were 93,190 and 116,213 options vested during the nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively.

The 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan is a plan that authorizes the grant of an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock to the non-employee directors of the Company.  The plan authorizes each non-employee director to receive 1,500 shares of restricted stock beginning in 2006, and 1,500 shares or such other amount as the Board of Directors may, from time to time, decide for each year in the future following the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Company issued a grant of 9,000 shares of restricted stock, 1,500 shares each, to its six non-employee directors, on June 24, 2009 and June 26, 2008. The per-share price of the grant was $7.82 and $5.15, respectively (the closing price of the Company’s shares on The American Stock Exchange on the date immediately prior to the grant, pursuant to the terms of the plan). One third of such restricted stock vests on each anniversary of the grant date over a three-year period.  Share-based compensation expense for the quarter and nine months ended October 3, 2009, related to the grants of restricted stock, was approximately $17,000 and $51,000, respectively, which was based on a straight-line amortization. Share based compensation expense for the quarter and nine months ended September 27, 2008, related to the grants of restricted stock, was approximately $17,000 and $64,000, respectively, which was based on a straight-line amortization. Restricted shares of common stock available for grant under the 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan were 62,500 at October 3, 2009.

A summary of unvested restricted stock activity and information related to all restricted stock outstanding follows:

   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Day Fair Value
   
Shares
 
Outstanding at January 3, 2009
 
$
7.36
     
17,500
 
Granted   
   
7.82
     
9,000
 
Vested
   
8.07
     
(8,500
)
Outstanding at October 3, 2009
 
$
7.26
     
18,000
 

As of October 3, 2009, the total future compensation cost related to the 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan not yet recognized in the statement of operations was $108,000.  Of that total, $17,000, $51,000, $30,000 and $10,000 are expected to be recognized in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The Company elected to adopt the detailed method provided in the Equity and Compensation Topics for calculating the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and consolidated statements of cash flows of the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation awards that are outstanding upon adoption of the provisions of the Equity and Compensation Topics.
 
11

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 8. INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, using the average cost method. Cost includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead related to the purchase and production of inventories.

Inventories consist of the following:

   
October 3,
2009
   
January 3,
2009
 
Finished goods
 
$
585,178
   
$
700,174
 
Work in process
   
2,112,775
     
1,837,324
 
Raw materials and purchased parts
   
2,906,267
     
2,362,208
 
Totals
 
$
5,604,220
   
$
4,899,706
 
 
9. CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT

The Company was obligated under the following debt instruments at October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009:

   
October 3,
2009
   
January 3,
 2009
 
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.:
           
Revolving line of credit, 1.00% above prime (prime having a 5% floor limit for loan purposes)
 
$
   
$
 
Equipment loan, due September 29, 2011, 1.00% above prime (prime having a 5% floor limit for loan purposes) 6.00% at October 3, 2009
    279,167       458,333  
Mortgage loan, due September 29, 2011, 1.50% above prime (prime having a 5% floor limit for loan purposes) or LIBOR plus 3.5%, 6.50% at October 3, 2009
    2,319,445       2,444,445  
      2,598,612       2,902,778  
Less current portion
    291,667       291,667  
Long-term portion
  $ 2,306,945     $ 2,611,111  

On September 29, 2008, the Company entered into a credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“WFB”) (the “Wells Fargo Credit Facility”) which replaced the credit facility with Capital One, N.A. On September 30, 2008, the Company repaid all outstanding amounts under the credit facility with Capital One, N.A. with the proceeds of the Wells Fargo Credit Facility.  The Wells Fargo Credit Facility consists of a three-year $5,000,000 collateralized revolving credit facility, a three-year $500,000 equipment term loan and a three-year $2,500,000 real estate term loan.  The revolving line of credit is subject to an availability limit under a borrowing base calculation of 85% of eligible domestic accounts receivable with a sublimit of $5,000,000 and 30% of eligible inventories with a sublimit of $400,000.  The revolving line of credit is also subject to a minimum borrowing base availability of $500,000.  As of October 3, 2009, the Company had a borrowing base of approximately $3,730,000 and availability under the credit facility as of October 3, 2009 of approximately $3,230,000. The revolving line of credit expires September 29, 2011.  The revolving line of credit bears interest at the prime rate plus one percent, with the prime rate having a floor limit of 5% for loan purposes.  The Company may request a LIBOR quote for an initial minimum of $1,000,000 with subsequent requests at a minimum of $500,000.  No more than three such requests may be active at any point in time.  LIBOR advances bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.25% for a credit advance, or 3.50% for a term loan.   The equipment loan is required to be repaid in equal monthly installments of $13,900 based on a four-year amortization period.  The real estate loan is required to be paid in equal monthly installments of $10,400 amortized over a 180 month time period, with any unpaid principal and interest due and payable on the termination date of September 29, 2011.
 
Interest expense for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 was approximately $223,000.

In the second quarter of 2009, the Company sold equipment for approximately $57,000 and all of the proceeds were used to pay down the Wells Fargo equipment loan.

The Wells Fargo Credit Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets.
 
12

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The credit facility requires the Company to maintain certain financial covenants, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1.0 and minimum net income.  For the quarter ended October 3, 2009 and for the quarters ended October 3, 2009 and beyond, net income is not to be less than 75% of the Company’s projected net income or not more than 100% of the Company’s projected net loss.  Additionally, the credit facility prohibits incurring or contracting to incur capital expenditures exceeding $600,000 in the year ending January 2, 2010 and $600,000 in each subsequent year.  The Company also must also not permit the amount due from its affiliate in Costa Rica, Multi-Mix Microtechnology S.R.L., to exceed $5,000,000 through the quarter ending October 3, 2009 and each fiscal quarter thereafter.  The credit agreement contains other standard covenants related to the Company’s operations, including prohibitions on the creation of additional liens, the incurrence of additional debt, the payment of dividends, the sale of certain assets and other corporate transactions, without Wells Fargo’s consent.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants as of October 3, 2009.

At October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009, the fair value of the Company's debt approximates carrying value. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on current interest rates.

10. WARRANTIES

The Company's standard catalog items, as well as products sold under contracts, have warranty obligations. With the exception of a very limited number of contracts, all of the Company’s products have a one-year warranty.  For items sold with extended warranties, estimated warranty costs for each contract are determined based on the contract terms and technology-specific issues. The Company accrues estimated warranty costs at the time of sale and any additional amounts are recorded when such costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Warranty expense was approximately $19,000 and $12,000 for the quarters ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively.  Warranty expense was approximately $26,000 and $77,000 for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, respectively. The warranty reserve was $165,000 and $200,000 at October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009, respectively.

11. INCOME TAXES
 
The Company recorded a tax provision of $443,000 for the quarter ended October 3, 2009, based on income from continuing operations before taxes of $1,374,000.  In 2008, the Company recorded a tax provision of $10,000 for the quarter ended September 27, 2008 based on income from continuing operations before taxes of $484,000.  The Company’s effective tax rate for the quarters ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 was 32% and 2%, respectively.  The provision for income taxes is based on Federal, state and foreign income taxes, and has been reduced due to the utilization of net operating loss carryovers.
 
The Company recorded a $686,000 provision for income taxes for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 based on income from continuing operations before taxes of $3,142,000.  For the nine months ended September 27, 2008, the Company recorded a tax provision of $10,000 based on the loss from continuing operations before taxes of $356,000.  The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 is 22% and 0%, respectively.  The provision for income taxes is based on federal, state and foreign income taxes, and has been reduced due to the utilization of net operating loss carryovers.
 
As of January 3, 2009, the Company had deferred tax assets of approximately $1.1 million related to net operating loss carryforwards a portion of which has been used to reduce the Company’s taxable income in the first nine months of 2009. The Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $3.2 million as of January 3, 2009 and based on the nine months income from continuing operations before income taxes the Company anticipates it will fully utilize the net operating loss carryforwards in 2009.  A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in the Company's overall assessments. As a result of the original assessment, the Company established a full valuation allowance for its remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the third quarter of 2009. The Company will continue to evaluate the realizability of its deferred tax assets and liabilities on a periodic basis, and will adjust such amounts in light of changing facts and circumstances.

Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382 places a limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards when an ownership change, as defined in the tax law, occurs.  Generally, an ownership change occurs when there is a greater than 50 percent change in ownership.  If such a change should occur, the actual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, for tax purposes, would be limited annually to a percentage of the fair market value of the Company at the time of such change.  The Company may become subject to these limitations in 2009 depending on the extent of the changes in its ownership.
 
On December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the provision of the Incomes Taxes Topic of the ASC (“Income Tax Topic”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions.  As of that date the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities.  At October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009, the Company had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities.  The Company will recognize any accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.
 
13

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
12. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA

The Company's continuing operations are conducted primarily through one business segment, electronic components and subsystems. This segment involves the design, manufacture and sale of electronic component devices offering extremely broad frequency coverage and high performance characteristics for communications, defense and aerospace applications. Of the identifiable assets, 89% are located in the United States and 11% are located in Costa Rica.

13. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic net income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share is similar to that of basic net income (loss) per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common shares, principally those issuable under stock options, were issued during the reporting period to the extent they are not anti-dilutive, using the treasury stock method.

Because of the net loss for the nine months ended September 27, 2008 approximately 430,000 shares underlying stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share, respectively, as the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the quarter and nine months ended October 3, 2009, 315,668 shares underlying options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the options did not have any intrinsic value. 

 
14

 
 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The weighted average number of shares outstanding basic and diluted is as follows:

   
Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
 
Net income (loss) for basic and diluted computations
 
$
931,043
   
$
463,038
   
$
2,506,174
   
$
(431,611
)
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic
   
2,986,022
     
2,948,037
     
2,966,501
     
2,940,112
 
Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock
   
27,964
     
17,500
     
33,630
   
-
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted
   
3,013,986
     
2,965,537
     
3,000,131
     
2,940,112
 
Earnings per common share
                               
Basic
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.84
   
$
(0.15
)
Diluted
 
$
0.31
   
$
0.16
   
$
0.84
   
$
(0.15
)
 
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, the Company's outside general counsel Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was paid $50,000 and $211,000, respectively, for providing legal services to the Company. During the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, the Company's outside general counsel Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP was paid $73,000 and $242,000, respectively, for providing legal services to the Company. A director of the Company is counsel to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP but does not share in the fees that the Company pays to such law firm and his compensation is not based on such fees.

During 2009 and 2008, the Company retained Career Consultants, Inc. and SK Associates to perform executive searches and to provide other services to the Company. The Company paid an aggregate of $0 and $17,000 to these companies during the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively.  The Company paid an aggregate of $1,000 and $4,000 to these companies during the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively. A director of the Company is the chairman and chief executive officer of these companies.

During each of the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 and 2008, a director of the Company was paid $9,000 and $27,000, respectively, for providing technology-related consulting services to the Company.

The Company has an agreement with DuPont Electronic Technologies (“DuPont”), a stockholder and the employer of a director, for providing technological and marketing-related personnel and services on a cost-sharing basis to the Company under the Technology Agreement dated February 28, 2002. No payments were made to DuPont during the third quarter and the first nine months of 2009 or 2008. A director of the Company is an officer of DuPont, but does not share in any of these payments.

DuPont and two entities affiliated with Ludwig Kutner, one of our directors, hold registration rights, which currently give them the right in perpetuity to register an aggregate of 1,003,413 shares of Common Stock of the Company. There are no settlement alternatives and the registration of the shares of Common Stock would be on a "best efforts" basis.
 
Each director who is not an employee of the Company receives a monthly director's fee of $1,500, plus an additional $500 for each meeting of the Board and of any Committees of the Board attended. In addition, the Chair of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $2,500 for his services in such capacity.  The directors are also reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee meetings. In addition, pursuant to the 2006 Stock Option Plan, each non-employee director is granted an option to purchase 2,500 shares of the Common Stock of the Company on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such options have a three-year vesting period.  Each such grant has an exercise price equal to the fair market value on the date of such grant and will expire on the tenth anniversary of the date of the grant. Pursuant to the 2006 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Plan, each non-employee director is granted 1,500 shares of restricted Common Stock of the Company on the date of each Annual Meeting of Stockholders. One third of such restricted stock vests on the anniversary of the grant date over a three-year vesting period.
 
15

 
MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15.  STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN

On March 5, 1999, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a stockholder rights plan and declared a dividend of one common share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of Common Stock of the Company. The dividend was payable on March 19, 1999 (the "Record Date") to stockholders of record as of the close of business on that date. Each Right will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company, upon the occurrence of certain events, one share of Common Stock for $25.00.

Generally, if any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 12.5% or more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, each Right (other than Rights held by such acquiring person or group) will be exercisable, at the $25.00 purchase price, for a number of shares of Common Stock having a market value of $50.00. Upon an acquisition of the Company, each Right (other than Rights held by the acquirer) will generally be exercisable, at the $25.00 purchase price, for a number of shares of common stock of the acquirer having a market value of $50.00. In certain circumstances, each Right may be exchanged by the Company for one share of Common Stock. On March 19, 2009 the plan was amended to extend the expiration date, from March 19, 2009 to December 31, 2009 unless earlier exchanged or redeemed at $0.01 per Right.

16.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On March 10, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by nineteen former FMI employees against the Company, FMI and FTG, which sought damages for wrongful dismissal for approximately $1,000,000 (Canadian $977,000) following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The former FMI employees alleged that an employment contract existed between FMI and the plaintiffs and sought additional damages for termination of the alleged contract.  On August 18, 2009 the Company agreed to settle the claim for a total of $66,595 (Canadian $70,000) of which $47,568 (Canadian $50,000) was paid for by the Company’s Employment Practices Liability insurance policy that extends coverage to the Company’s subsidiaries.  The total amount paid by the Company related to this matter including the settlement amount, legal fees and the deductible amount of the insurance policy was $44,027.
 
17. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximated fair value as of October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009 because of the relative short maturity of these instruments. At October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009, the fair value of the Company's debt approximates carrying value. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on current interest rates.

 
16

 

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to future results of Merrimac (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.   In this report, the words “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Merrimac and its subsidiaries.  Actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks associated with demand for and market acceptance of existing and newly developed products as to which the Company has made significant investments, particularly its Multi-Mix® products; risks associated with adequate capacity to obtain raw materials and reduced control over delivery schedules and costs due to reliance on sole source or limited suppliers; slower than anticipated penetration into the satellite communications, defense and wireless markets; failure of our Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM customers to successfully incorporate our products into their systems; changes in product mix resulting in unexpected engineering and research and development costs; delays and increased costs in product development, engineering and production; reliance on a small number of significant customers; the emergence of new or stronger competitors as a result of consolidation movements in the market; the timing and market acceptance of our or our OEM customers' new or enhanced products; general economic and industry conditions; the ability to protect proprietary information and technology; competitive products and pricing pressures; our ability and the ability of our OEM customers to keep pace with the rapid technological changes and short product life cycles in our industry and gain market acceptance for new products and technologies; risks relating to governmental regulatory actions in communications and defense programs; and inventory risks due to technological innovation and product obsolescence, as well as other risks and uncertainties as are detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The words “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
OVERVIEW

Continuing operations.
 
Merrimac Industries, Inc. was originally incorporated as Merrimac Research and Development, a New York corporation, in 1954. In 1994 we were reincorporated as a New Jersey corporation and subsequently reincorporated as a Delaware corporation in 2001. 
 
We design, manufacture and sell electronic components, integrated circuits and subsystems offering extremely broad frequency coverage, high performance characteristics and extraordinary thermal management. Our operations are conducted through two operating facilities located in West Caldwell, New Jersey and San Jose, Costa Rica. 
 
We are a versatile technology company specializing in radio frequency and microwave applications solutions. We specialize in Multi-Mix®, stripline, microstrip, discreet element, bonded stripline and thick metal-backed Teflon® and mixed dielectric multilayer circuit technologies for defense, aerospace and commercial applications.  Of special significance has been the combination of two or more of these technologies into single components and integrated multifunction subassemblies to achieve a unique and proprietary solution offering superior performance and reliability while minimizing package size and weight. Our components and integrated assemblies are found in applications as diverse as satellites, military and commercial aircraft, radar, radio systems, medical diagnostic instruments communications systems and wireless connectivity. We maintain ISO 9001:2000 and AS 9100 registered quality assurance programs. Our components range in price from $0.50 to more than $10,000 and our subsystems range from $500 to more than $1,500,000. 
 
Strategically, we position our marketing, research and development, and manufacturing operations to develop new products and expand our existing markets. Our research and development efforts, driven by our marketing strategy, are targeted at providing customers with more complex, reliable, and compact products competitively priced. 
 
Our Multi-Mix® product development is focused on the military and space market segments.  While we will carefully monitor and be alert to commercial opportunities for our Multi-Mix® technology, where the customer is willing to compensate us for our design work, we will limit the speculative funding of this commercial segment.  The self-funded investment that we have previously made has created a library of pre-engineered designs, especially in RF Module Amplifiers, which provide platform families for both commercial and military final customization. 
 
We market and sell our products domestically and internationally through a direct sales force as well as independent domestic and international sales organizations.  We develop and offer for sale products built to specific customer specifications, as well as standard catalog items.
 
17

 
We had a strong backlog at the end of 2007 and a high volume of orders throughout 2008, which resulted in a significant increase in sales in 2008 of 33.5%. The higher sales volume in 2008 generated a 25.9% improvement in gross profit, which combined with reductions in our research and development costs and our efforts to keep selling, general and administrative expenses from growing relative to sales, restored us to profitability in fiscal year 2008. We continue to have a strong backlog and a high volume of orders in 2009 and expect an increase in sales in 2009 over 2008. Due to the expected sales increase and our efforts to keep overall costs down we anticipate that we will remain profitable in 2009.
 
Our cost of sales consists of materials, salaries and related expenses, and outside services for manufacturing and certain engineering personnel and manufacturing overhead. Our products are designed and manufactured in our facilities located in West Caldwell, NJ and Costa Rica. Our manufacturing and production facilities infrastructure overhead are relatively fixed and are based on our expectations of future net revenues. Should we experience a reduction in net revenues in a quarter, we could have difficulty adjusting short-term expenditures and absorbing any excess capacity expenses. If this were to occur, our operating results for that quarter would be negatively impacted. In order to remain competitive, we must continually reduce our manufacturing costs through design and engineering innovations and increases in manufacturing efficiencies. There can be no assurance that we will be able to reduce our manufacturing costs.

We anticipate that depreciation and amortization expenses will exceed capital expenditures in fiscal year 2009 by approximately $2,000,000. We intend to issue commitments to purchase approximately $110,000 of capital equipment from various vendors for the remainder of 2009 and we anticipate that such equipment will be purchased and become operational during the remainder of 2009.  Our planned equipment purchases and other commitments are expected to be funded through cash resources and cash flows expected to be generated from operations, and supplemented by our $5,000,000 revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo.

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of personnel costs for administrative, selling and marketing groups, sales commissions to employees and manufacturing representatives, travel, product marketing and promotion costs, as well as legal, accounting, information technology and other administrative costs. In 2009 we may need to increase our expenditures for selling, general and administrative expenses, especially in connection with the implementation of our strategic plan for generating and expanding sales of Multi-Mix® products.

Research and development expenses consist of materials, salaries and related expenses of certain engineering personnel, and outside services related to product development projects. We charge all research and development expenses to operations as incurred. We believe that continued investment in research and development is critical to our long-term business success.  We intend to continue to invest in research and development programs in future periods focusing our efforts on Multi-Mix® process enhancements for military and space market applications.  However, overall we expect to reduce our research and development expenditures in fiscal 2009 as a result of limiting our investment in speculative funding of the commercial segment.

We anticipate 2009 orders from our defense and satellite customers will increase compared to fiscal year 2008 levels. Nevertheless, in times of armed conflict or war, military spending is concentrated on armaments build up, maintenance and troop support, and not on the research and development and specialty applications that are the Company’s core strengths and revenue generators.

Discontinued operations.

Filtran Microcircuits Inc. (“FMI”) was established in 1983, and we acquired FMI in February 1999. FMI is a manufacturer of microwave micro-circuitry for the high frequency communications industry. FMI has been engaged in the production of microstrip, bonded stripline, and thick metal-backed Teflon® (PTFE) microcircuits for RF applications including satellite, aerospace, PCS, fiber optic telecommunications, automotive, navigational and defense applications worldwide. FMI has supplied mixed dielectric multilayer and high speed interconnect circuitry to meet customer demand for high performance and cost-effective packaging.

Our management determined, and the Board of Directors approved on August 9, 2007, that we should divest our FMI operations with the view to enable us to concentrate our resources on RF Microwave and Multi-Mix® Microtechnology product lines to generate sustainable, profitable growth. Beginning with the third quarter of 2007, we reflected FMI as a discontinued operation and we reclassified prior financial statements to reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of FMI as discontinued operations.

 
On December 28, 2007, we sold substantially all of the assets of FMI to Firan Technology Group Corporation, a manufacturer of high technology/high reliability printed circuit boards that has operations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and Chatsworth, California. The transaction was effected pursuant to an asset purchase agreement entered into between Merrimac, FMI and FTG. The total consideration payable by FTG was $1,482,000 (Canadian $1,450,000) plus the assumption of certain liabilities of approximately $368,000 (Canadian $360,000). FTG paid $818,000 (Canadian $800,000) of the purchase price at the closing on December 28, 2007 and the balance was paid on February 21, 2008 following the conclusion of a transitional period.

The operating results of FMI, formerly represented as our microwave micro-circuitry segment, on the condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarters and nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008 are summarized as follows:
 
18


   
Quarter Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
2008
 
Net sales
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before provision for income taxes
  $ -     $ (10,956 )   $ 50,505     $ (65,992 )
Provision for income taxes
    -       -       -       -  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ -     $ (10,956 )   $ 50,505     $ (65,992 )

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND POLICIES

Our management makes certain assumptions and estimates that impact the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and stockholders' equity, and sales and expenses. These assumptions and estimates are inherently uncertain. The management judgments that are currently the most critical are related to the accounting for our investments in Multi-Mix® Microtechnology, contract revenue recognition, inventory valuation and valuation of deferred tax assets. Below is a further description of these policies as well as the estimates involved.

Contract Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues from sales of the following: customized products, which include amounts billable for non-recurring engineering services and in some instances the production and delivery of prototypes, and the subsequent production and delivery of units under short-term, firm-fixed price contracts; the design, documentation, production and delivery of a series of complex components under long-term firm-fixed price contracts; and the delivery of off-the-shelf standard products.

We account for all contracts, except those for the sale of off-the-shelf standard products, in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the ASC (“Revenue Recognition Topic”).

We recognize all amounts billable under short-term contracts, including those involving non-recurring engineering (“NRE”) services for customization of products, in net sales and all related costs in cost of sales under the completed-contract method when the customized units are delivered. We periodically enter into contracts with customers for the development and delivery of a prototype prior to the shipment of units. Under those circumstances, we recognize all amounts billable for NRE services in net sales and all related costs in cost of sales when the prototype is delivered and recognizes all of the remaining amounts billable and the related costs when the units are delivered.

Periodically, we have complex, long-term contracts for the engineering design, development and production of space electronics products for which revenue is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method. Sales and related contract costs for design and documentation services under this type of contract are recognized based on the cost-to-cost method. Sales and related contract costs for products delivered under these contracts are recognized on the units-of-delivery method. We have one contract, which is primarily related to the design and development (and to a lesser extent, the production of space electronics) for which revenue under the entire contract is recognized under the percentage-of-completion method using the cost-to-cost method. For such contract, we have recognized revenues, costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of approximately $3,250,000 at October 3, 2009.  

Pursuant to the Revenue Recognition Topic, anticipated losses on all contracts are charged to operations in the period when the losses become known.

Sales of off-the-shelf standard products and related costs of sales are recorded when title transfers to our customer, which is generally on the date of shipment, provided persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collection of the related receivable is probable.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Inventories are periodically reviewed for their projected manufacturing usage utilization and, when slow-moving or obsolete inventories are identified, they are charged to operations.
 
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Procurement of inventories is based on specific customer orders and forecasts. Customers have certain rights of modification with respect to these orders and forecasts. As a result, customer modifications to orders and forecasts affecting inventories previously procured by us and our purchases of inventories beyond customer needs may result in excess and obsolete inventories for the related customers. Although we may be able to use some of these excess components and raw materials in other products we manufacture, a portion of the cost of this excess inventories may not be recoverable from customers, nor may any excess quantities be returned to the vendors. We also may not be able to recover the cost of obsolete inventories from vendors or customers.

Write offs or write-downs of inventories generally arise from:

 
·
declines in the market value of inventories;
 
·
changes in customer demand for inventories, such as cancellation of orders; and
 
·
our purchases of inventories beyond customer needs that result in excess quantities on hand and that we are not able to return to the vendor or charge back to the customer.
 
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

As of October 3, 2009, we have significant deferred tax assets resulting from net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, a portion of which has been used to reduce our income tax in the first nine months of 2009. A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in the Company's overall assessments. We established a full valuation allowance for our remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets as a result of our assessment at December 28, 2002. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the third quarter of 2009.

The following table reflects the percentage relationships of items from the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of net sales.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS SUMMARY
(UNAUDITED)

   
Percentage of Net Sales
   
Percentage of Net Sales
 
   
Quarters Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
   
September 27,
   
October 3,
   
September 27,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
Restated
         
Restated
 
Net sales
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
   
100.0
%
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales
   
51.7
     
63.9
     
55.2
     
64.7
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
29.6
     
28.8
     
29.7
     
32.4
 
Research and development
   
1.3
     
1.3
     
1.3
     
4.0
 
Gain on sale of asset
   
-
     
-
     
(0.2
)
   
-
 
     
82.6
     
94.0
     
86.0
     
101.1
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
   
17.4
     
6.0
     
14.0
     
(1.1
)
Interest and other expense, net
   
(0.8
)
   
(0.2
)
   
(0.8
)
   
(0.6
)
                                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
   
16.6
     
5.8
     
13.2
     
(1.7
)
Provision for income taxes
   
5.3
     
0.1
     
2.9
     
-
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
   
11.3
     
5.7
     
10.3
     
(1.7
)
                                 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations after income taxes
   
-
     
(0.1
)
   
0.2
     
(0.3
)
Net income (loss)
   
11.3
%
   
5.6
%
   
10.5
%
   
(2.0
)%

 
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THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2009 COMPARED TO THE THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 2008

Net sales.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2009 were relatively flat compared to the third quarter of 2008. Net sales decreased $57,000 or 0.7% to $8,271,000, from the third quarter of 2008 net sales of $8,328,000.  Net sales for the first nine months of 2009 increased $2,391,000 or 11.1% to $23,967,000 compared to $21,576,000 for the first nine months of 2008.  The increase in net sales for the first nine months of 2009 is primarily due to our focused strategy concentrating on aerospace and defense markets.  This strategy has resulted in more orders from our key aerospace and defense customers including increased sales of Multi-Mix® products to defense industry related customers.

Backlog represents the amount of orders we have received that have not been shipped as of the end of a particular fiscal period.  The orders in backlog are a measure of future sales and determine our upcoming material, labor and service requirements.  The book-to-bill ratio for a particular period represents orders received for that period divided by net sales for the same period.  We look for this ratio to exceed 1.0, indicating the backlog is being replenished by new orders at a higher rate than the sales being removed from the backlog.

The following table presents key performance measures that we use to monitor our operating results for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
October 3,
2009
   
September 27,
 2008
 
Beginning backlog
 
$
20,967,000
   
$
17,991,000
 
Plus orders
   
27,789,000
     
24,688,000
 
Less net sales
   
23,967,000
     
21,576,000
 
Ending backlog
 
$
24,789,000
   
$
21,103,000
 
Book-to-bill ratio
   
1.16
     
1.14
 

Orders of $27,789,000 were received during the first nine months of 2009, an increase of $3,101,000 or 12.6% compared to $24,688,000 in orders received during the first nine months of 2008. Backlog increased by $3,686,000 or 17.5% to $24,789,000 at the end of the first nine months of 2009 compared to $21,103,000 at the end of the first nine months of 2008. The book-to-bill ratio as of the end of the first nine months of 2009 was 1.16 to 1 compared to 1.14 to 1 for the first nine months of 2008. We continue to receive a consistently high level of orders that are in line with our projections and we expect our book- to-bill ratio to exceed 1.0 to 1 for 2009.

The backlog of unfilled orders includes amounts based on signed contracts as well as agreed letters of intent, which we have determined are legally binding and likely to proceed.  Although backlog represents only business that is considered likely to be performed, cancellations or scope adjustments may and do occur.  The elapsed time from the award of a contract to completion of performance may be up to approximately four years.  The dollar amount of backlog is not necessarily indicative of our future earnings related to the performance of such work due to factors outside our control, such as changes in project schedules, scope adjustment or project cancellations.  We cannot predict with certainty the portion of backlog to be performed in a given year.  Backlog is adjusted quarterly to reflect project cancellations, deferrals, revised project scope and cost, and sales of subsidiaries, if any.

Cost of sales and gross profit.

Gross profit and gross profit percentage increased for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2009 increased $990,000 or 32.9%, to $3,995,000 compared to $3,005,000 for the third quarter of 2008.  Gross profit percentage for the third quarter of 2009 was 48.3% compared to 36.1% for the third quarter of 2008. Gross profit for the first nine months of 2009 increased 41.1% or $3,127,000 to $10,744,000 from $7,617,000 in the first nine months of 2008. Gross profit percentage for the first nine months of 2009 was 44.8% compared to 35.3% for the first nine months of 2008.

The increase in consolidated gross profit in the third quarter was due to the increase in gross profit percentage.  The improved gross profit percentage in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 was primarily due to several orders that shipped in third quarter of 2009 with above average gross profit margins while the same quarter last year had four large orders that shipped with very low gross profit margins.  The increase in consolidated gross profit in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 was due to the combination of improved gross profit percentage and an increase in net sales.  The increase in net sales also had a favorable impact on our gross profit percentage in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, allowing us to better absorb fixed manufacturing costs.   

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Selling, general and administrative expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $2,451,000 for the third quarter of 2009, an increase of $52,000 or 2.2%, compared to $2,398,000 in the third quarter of 2008.  The increase in expenses for the third quarter of 2009 was primarily due to an increase in commissions that was offset in part by the restructuring charges incurred in the third quarter of 2008 that did not recur in 2009. When expressed as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased from 28.8% of sales in the third quarter of 2008 to 29.6% of sales in the third quarter of 2009. For the first nine months of 2009, selling, general and administrative expenses were $7,122,000 compared to $6,994,000 in the first nine months of 2008 an increase of $129,000 or 1.8%. The increase in such expenses for the first nine months of 2009 was primarily due to higher professional fees and commissions that were largely offset by decreases in selling, marketing and proposal expenses. When expressed as a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from 32.4% of sales in the first nine months of 2008 to 29.7% of sales in the first nine months of 2009.

Research and development expenses.

Research and development costs decreased in both the third quarter and first nine months of 2009.  Research and development costs in the third quarter of 2009 were $102,000 compared to $105,000 in 2008, a decrease of $3,000 or 3.3%. Research and development costs for the first nine months of 2009 were $318,000 compared to $853,000 in 2008, a decrease of $534,000 or 62.7%. The decrease reflects our decision to focus our research and development efforts on military and space applications and reduce our investment in speculative commercial applications. Substantially all of the research and development expenses were related to Multi-Mix® Microtechnology process enhancements.

Operating income (loss).
 
Operating income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 was $1,443,000 and $3,344,000, respectively, compared to an operating income of $501,000 for the third quarter of 2008 and an operating loss of $229,000 in the first nine months of 2008. The improvement in operating income for the third quarter 2009 was primarily due to the improved gross profit resulting from increased gross profit percentages.  The improvement in operating income for the first nine months of 2009 was due to a combination of improved gross profit, resulting from the increase in net sales and improved gross profit percentages, and the decrease in research and development costs compared to the first nine months of 2008.

Interest and other expense, net.

Interest and other expense, net was $68,000 for the third quarter of 2009 compared to interest and other expense, net of $17,000 for the third quarter of 2008. Interest and other expense, net was $202,000 for the first nine months of 2009 compared to interest and other expense, net of $127,000 for the first nine months of 2008. The interest expense was principally incurred on borrowings under the term loans, which were financed by Wells Fargo in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 and Capital One in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008. The increase in interest expense in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2008 was primarily due to increased amortization of loan costs for the Wells Fargo Credit Facility compared to the amortization of the Capital One loan costs.
 
Income taxes.

Provision for income tax expense was $443,000 and $686,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 compared to $10,000 in each of the third quarter and first nine months of 2008. The provision for income taxes in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 is based on the expectation that we will fully utilize our net operating loss carryforwards in 2009.

As of January 3, 2009, we had deferred tax assets of approximately $1.1 million related to net operating loss carryforwards, a portion of which has been used to reduce our taxable income in the first nine months of 2009. A valuation allowance is required when management assesses that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007 net losses have weighed heavily in our overall assessments. As a result of the original assessment, we established a full valuation allowance for our remaining U.S. net deferred tax assets. This assessment continued unchanged from 2003 through the first nine months of 2009.

On December 31, 2006, we adopted the provisions of the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC (“Income Taxes Topic”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions.  As of that date we had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities.  At October 3, 2009 and September 27, 2008, we had no uncertain tax positions and did not record any additional benefits or liabilities.  We will recognize any accrued interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes.
 
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Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382 places a limitation on the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards when an ownership change, as defined in the tax law, occurs.  Generally, an ownership change occurs when there is a greater than 50 percent change in ownership.  If such a change should occur, the actual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards, for tax purposes, would be limited annually to a percentage of our fair market value at the time of such change.  We may become subject to these limitations in 2009 depending on the extent of the changes in our ownership.

Discontinued operations.

Income from discontinued operations was $0 and $51,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, respectively, compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $11,000 and $66,000 in the third quarter and first nine months of 2008, respectively. Accordingly the income from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 was $0.00 and $0.01 per share, basic, respectively, compared to a loss from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008 of $0.00 and $0.02 per share, basic, respectively. Income from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 was $0.00 and $0.02 per share, diluted, respectively, compared to a loss from discontinued operations for the third quarter and first nine months of 2008 of $0.00 and $0.02 per share, diluted, respectively. Although there was income from discontinued operations for the first nine months of 2009, there may be some costs later in the year of 2009 that pertain to discontinued operations. 

Net income (loss).

For the reasons set forth above, net income for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009 was $931,000 and $2,506,000, respectively, compared to a net income of $463,000 for the third quarter of 2008 and a net loss of $432,000 in the first nine months of 2008. Net income per share, basic and diluted for the third quarter of 2009 was $0.31 compared to net income per share, basic and diluted of $0.16 for the third quarter of 2008.   For the first nine months of 2009 net income per share basic and diluted was $0.84, compared to a net loss per share, basic and diluted, of $0.15 for the first nine months of 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We had liquid resources comprised of cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $3,220,000 at the end of the first nine months of 2009 compared to approximately $1,192,000 at the end of 2008. The cash position increased primarily as a result of our operating income during the last three quarters and an increase in customer deposits. Our working capital was approximately $15,425,000 at the end of the first nine months of 2009 compared to $11,100,000 in 2008.  Our current ratio was 4.1 to 1 at the end of the first nine months of 2009 compared to 4.5 to 1 in 2008.  At October 3, 2009, we had available borrowing capacity under our revolving line of credit of $1,240,000.

Our operating activities from continuing operations provided cash flows of $2,478,000 during the first nine months of 2009 compared to a use of $729,000 of operating cash flows during the first nine months of 2008. The cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2009 was mainly due to the net income from continuing operations of $2,456,000, depreciation and amortization of $1,933,000 and an increase in customer deposits of $1,484,000.  These were offset in part by an increase in accounts receivable of $1,794,000, resulting from higher sales, an increase in inventories of $705,000 needed to meet production needs and increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing of $1,369,000. The primary uses of operating cash flows from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2008 were an increase in accounts receivable of $1,593,000, an increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billing of $1,186,000 and the net loss from continuing operations of $366,000.  These were offset in part by depreciation and amortization of $1,908,000.

In the first nine months of 2009, our net cash used in investing activities was $429,000 compared to the net cash used in investing activities of $7,000 in the first nine months of 2008.  The cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2009 was attributable to the net cash investments in property, plant and equipment of $486,000, which was offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $57,000.  In 2008, the net cash used in investing activities was due to the net cash investments in property, plant and equipment of $672,000 which was largely offset by the cash proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations of $664,000. The capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2009 and 2008 were primarily related to new production and test equipment.

 Our net cash used in financing activities was $72,000 in the first nine months of 2009 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $721,000 in 2008.  In 2009, the net cash used in financing activities was a result of the repayment of long-term debt of $304,000, which was largely offset by the proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $232,000.  In 2008, the net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to borrowings of $1,000,000 under the revolving line of credit and the return of restricted cash of $250,000.  These were offset in part by the repayment of long-term debt of $617,000.

We expect our planned equipment purchases and other commitments to be funded through cash resources and cash flows expected to be generated from operations and supplemented by our $5,000,000 revolving credit facility.
 
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On September 29, 2008, we entered into a credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“WFB”) (the “Wells Fargo Credit Facility”) which replaced our credit facility with Capital One, N.A. On September 30, 2008, we repaid all outstanding amounts under the credit facility with Capital One, N.A. with the proceeds of the Wells Fargo Credit Facility.  The Wells Fargo Credit Facility consists of a three-year $5,000,000 collateralized revolving credit facility, a three-year $500,000 equipment term loan and a three-year $2,500,000 real estate term loan.  The revolving line of credit is subject to an availability limit under a borrowing base calculation of 85% of eligible domestic accounts receivable with a sublimit of $5,000,000 and 30% of eligible inventories with a sublimit of $400,000.  The revolving line of credit is also subject to a minimum borrowing base availability of $500,000.  As of October 3, 2009, we had a borrowing base of approximately $3,730,000 and availability under the credit facility as of October 3, 2009 of approximately $3,230,000. The revolving line of credit expires September 29, 2011.  The revolving line of credit bears interest at the prime rate plus one percent, with the prime rate having a floor limit of 5% for loan purposes.  We may request a LIBOR quote for an initial minimum of $1,000,000 with subsequent requests at a minimum of $500,000.  No more than three such requests may be active at any point in time.  LIBOR advances bear interest at the LIBOR rate plus 3.25% for a credit advance, or 3.50% for a term loan.   The equipment loan is required to be repaid in equal monthly installments of $13,900 based on a four-year amortization.  The real estate loan is required to be paid in equal monthly installments amortized over a 180 month time period, with any unpaid principal and interest due and payable on the termination date of September 29, 2011. The two term loans require mandatory prepayment subject to a prepayment fee of 1%-2% of the outstanding balance should the appraised value of the collateral fall below certain levels.

The equipment term loan bears interest at the prime (with a floor of 5%) rate plus 1%.  The real estate term loan bears interest at the prime rate (with a floor of 5%) plus 1.50% or LIBOR plus 3.50%.

The Wells Fargo Credit Facility is collateralized by substantially all of our assets.

The credit facility requires us to maintain certain financial covenants, including a minimum debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1.0 and minimum net income.  For the quarter ended October 3, 2009 and for the quarters ending October 3, 2009 and beyond, net income is not to be less than 75% of our projected net income and not more than 100% of our projected net loss.  Additionally, the credit facility prohibits us from incurring or contracting to incur capital expenditures exceeding $600,000 in the year ending January 2, 2010 and $600,000 in each subsequent year-end.  We also must also not permit the amount due from our affiliate in Costa Rica, Multi-Mix Microtechnology S.R.L to exceed $5,000,000 through the quarter ending October 3, 2009 and each fiscal quarter thereafter.  The credit agreement contains other standard covenants related to our operations, including prohibitions on the creation of additional liens, the incurrence of additional debt, the payment of dividends the sale of certain assets and other corporate transactions, without Wells Fargo’s consent.  We were in compliance with all of our financial covenants as of October 3, 2009.

In the second quarter of 2009, we sold equipment for approximately $57,000 and all of the proceeds were used to pay down the Wells Fargo equipment loan.

As of October 3, 2009, under the Wells Fargo Credit Facility, we had no amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility, $279,167 outstanding under the equipment term loan and $2,319,445 outstanding under the real estate term loan.

At October 3, 2009 and January 3, 2009, the fair value of our debt approximates carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on current interest rates.

Depreciation and amortization expenses exceeded capital expenditures for production equipment during the first nine months of 2009 by approximately $1,447,000, and we anticipate that depreciation and amortization expenses will exceed capital expenditures in fiscal year 2009 by approximately $2,000,000. We intend to issue commitments to purchase $110,000 of capital equipment from various vendors for the remainder of 2009. We anticipate that such equipment will be purchased and become operational during 2009.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 6, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements", to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about the market risks affecting Merrimac, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.  Our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since January 3, 2009.

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ITEM 4(T). CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of October 3, 2009, (the end of the period covered by this report), the Company's management carried out an evaluation with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of October 3, 2009, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s third quarter of 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

In designing and evaluating the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. We believe that our disclosure controls and procedures provide such reasonable assurance.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are party to lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. It is the opinion of our management that the disposition of these various lawsuits will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or the results of operations.

On March 10, 2008, a statement of claim in Ontario Superior Court of Justice was filed by nineteen former FMI employees against Merrimac, FMI and FTG, which sought damages for wrongful dismissal for approximately $1,000,000 (Canadian $977,000) following the sale of FMI’s assets to FTG. The former FMI employees alleged that an employment contract existed between FMI and the plaintiffs and sought additional damages for termination of the alleged contract.  On August 18, 2009 we agreed to settle the claim for a total of $66,595 (Canadian $70,000) of which $47,568 (Canadian $50,000) was paid for by the Company’s Employment Practices Liability insurance policy that extends coverage to the Company’s subsidiaries.  The total amount paid by the Company related to this matter including the settlement amount, legal fees and the deductible amount of the insurance policy was $44,027.
 
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes to our Risk Factors from those presented in our Form 10-K for fiscal year 2008.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

Exhibits:

EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
31.1+
 
Chief Executive Officer's Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2+
 
Chief Financial Officer's Certificate, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+
 
Chief Executive Officer's Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2+
 
Chief Financial Officer's Certificate, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

+    Indicates that exhibit is filed as an exhibit hereto.

 
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SIGNATURES

In accordance with the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

MERRIMAC INDUSTRIES, INC. 
 
Date: November 9, 2009
   
 
By:
/s/ Mason N. Carter
 
Mason N. Carter
 
Chairman, President and
 
Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: November 9, 2009
By:
/s/ J. Robert Patterson
 
J. Robert Patterson
 
Vice President, Finance and
 
Chief Financial Officer

 
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